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Zyrtec-D vs. Nasonex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Nasonex (mometasone) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in differerent ways and have different forms. Zyrtec-D is a combination of an antihistamine (cetirizine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) taken orally to relieve allergies and congestion. It can cause trouble sleeping if taken too close to bedtime and may raise your blood pressure. Nasonex, on the other hand, is a nasal spray containing a corticosteroid (mometasone) that reduces inflammation directly in your nose. It is available both over the counter and by prescription and does not cause drowsiness. While Zyrtec-D works quickly, Nasonex can take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects. Nasonex can be used in children as young as 2 years old for allergy symptoms, whereas Zyrtec-D is typically for those 12 and older. Additionally, Nasonex may cause side effects like headaches and nosebleeds, while Zyrtec-D can cause dry mouth and drowsiness.

Zyrtec-D

(cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)

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mometasone nasal spray

 

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Summary for Zyrtec-D

Over-the-counter

Zyrtec-D is a combination medication containing cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's taken by people ages 12 years and older to relieve allergy symptoms, like runny nose and nasal congestion. This medication comes as an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours. Zyrtec-D is available as a brand-name and generic medication. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and dry mouth.

Indications for Zyrtec-D

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

  • Itchy nose or throat
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sinus congestion or pressure

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec-D

Pros

  • Starts working within an hour
  • Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills to treat congestion and other allergy symptoms
  • Available over the counter (behind the counter)

Cons

  • Might need to take twice daily
  • Tablets can't be crushed or chewed and there isn't a liquid version available
  • Not the safest choice if you have certain conditions, like heart problems and trouble urinating

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec-D

Warnings for Zyrtec-D

  • Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
  • Worsening of certain medical conditions
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Summary for Nasonex

Prescription or over-the-counter

Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Indications for Nasonex

  • Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
  • Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
  • Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

Pros and Cons for Nasonex

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
  • Available OTC
  • Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription

Cons

  • Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
  • Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
  • Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
  • Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Nasonex

  • Headache (26%)
  • Viral infection (14%)
  • Sore throat (12%)
  • Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
  • Coughing (7%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
  • Period cramps (5%)
  • Muscle pain (5%)
  • Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)

Warnings for Nasonex

  • Nose injury and slowed wound healing
  • Fungal infection in the nose and throat
  • Vision changes
  • Risk of infection
  • Hormone changes
  • Poor growth in children

Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Nasonex

Price Card Drug Icon
Cetirizine/Pseudoephedrine60 tablets / 12 hour
$37.00$42.29
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Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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